Chandeera

by Wolf Golan

  Max decided to go back to the bedchambers, despite the fight earlier that day, he started back. He didn’t want the drama, so he stopped, and turned to the Great Hall.

  He descended the stairs and walked into the Hall, it was empty. He walked slowly around its giant columns putting his hands behind his back, thinking. He reached the far end when he heard a voice.

  “Hey Max!”

  Jenny came running up from the floor.

  “Hey,” Max smiled at her.

  “What's happening?” She came up to him and they hugged.

  He hugged her back and even picked her up, as she giggled.

  “Max!” She smiled down him. He let her down.

  “What was that about?”

  “Just happy to see you, I was about to start back to the room… by the way, I just signed up to help with the Quest. We’re building the ship now.”

  “Narly! Far out! What Quest?”

  “You don’t know?”

  She shook her head.

  “It'll be explained in detail soon at a presentation.”

  “Coz.” Jenny said settling for the answer.

  “I better get to bed. I got a lot on my mind.” Max said putting his hands in his pocket.

  “Okay,” Jenny said staring at him for a moment. She hugged him again and held him for a few moments.

  He let her and smiled into her eyes.

  “No one's cheered me up like that in a while, thank you.” Max said softly.

  “You’re welcome and if you need any help with anything let me know.”

  “I will.” Max replied looking at her with a bright smile.

  Max walked up the stairs and down the hallways to his bedchambers.

  He reached the door.

  He slowly cracked the door and made his way in. Alex was speaking with Daegwa.

  “And this is why your help is needed more in the kitchen than here,” Alex explained.

  “Yes my lady Alex, as you wish.” She bowed and started out. She bowed to Max too, as she passed by him. He smiled back, and she left the room.

  Alex started to the drawers and began folding her clothes. Max remained at the doorway and didn't take his jacket off.

  “Look, I can stay somewhere else if you want. You don’t have to leave the room.”

  Alex continued folding and replied without looking, “whatever you want.”

  “I agreed to go on the Quest, so I'm helping build the ship now. It’s going to take long hours. I’m not practicing anymore, only doing that.”

  Alex stopped folding, threw the last shirt on the pile, and put her hands on her hips, as she looked at him.

  “What kind of a Quest?”

  “It's going to be explained in detail soon but locating the pieces of the lost magical rock that can power our Jump.”

  Alex stared at the floor.

  “I feel like I've been pushed out of your life, so I don't think you need my permission for anything.” She replied, turning back to her clothes and resumed folding them.

  “You're not pushed out. I'm trying to get us home.” Max replied.

  “At the cost of us? And your life?” She snapped.

  “It'll be okay.” Max calmly replied.

  Alex sighed, turned back to her clothes, and started folding again. Max walked over to grab his bag of clothes on the other side of the bed, along with his boots. He then took his toothbrush and sweater.

  Alex came over and stood before him.

  “So you're leaving me?”

  “What are you talking about? You were just leaving me!” Max said taken aback. “Let’s just take a break okay?”

  “I agree.” She replied quickly in a terse manner as she walked back and started putting her clothes away. Max slowly and quietly gathered the rest of his things and started out the door.

  When he closed it, the sound was painful.

  ###

  A week went by before Max got the hang of building the ship. Max would also make frequent trips into the city to get tools and boards. He wore one of the dead Miners' blue overalls. He slept in the Stonehouse and ate in the South Kitchen at nights. He and the crew soon finished the wings, but J.T. wielded and shaped fans for two small thrust engines.

  The rails and deck took tedious carpentry, but Max and a small labor crew worked through most of the days. J.T supervised when he could make it up from the city. Max got to know the Shipbuilders Dritlore, Penlee, Gadian, and the teenage boy Gat-gopher, and laborer.

  Sometimes nearly a dozen worked on the ship deck throughout the day. Max worked on it into the night usually with Gadian’s help.

  By the time Max got word of the Spring Ball, they had finished the deck and the only task left was installation of the Rudder-Lever and engine-wheel stationed against the stern. The relentless work on the giant rudders and stabilizers dulled the saws, so Max would sharpen them with the Blacksmith.

  Max learned Prescon was an element in Chandeera that was heat-resistant, so it would perform as a firewall.

  Gadian told Max the Prescon-Maker’s name was Gattalorn and his shop was in the Northeast Section. Gadian pointed it out the best he could from the platform.

  “Thanks,” Max replied.

  The next day was the Spring Ball.

  Throughout the day, airships were flying on and off the roof of the Great Hall, unloading guests from faraway lands. He spotted lots of carriages unloading dignitaries at the foot of the Grand Staircase as well: Nobles, Magistrates, and Royalties.

  It seemed in all of Chandeera descended on Densmere for the Mid-Winter Ball.

  Max knew Alex wanted to go, but he hadn't seen her all week. Max didn't care about the ball, he wanted to fix the ship, retrieve the shards, and get the crew home.

  He walked into the castle started down the staircase and out the side door, through the spruce trees to avoid the large crowds, and descended on the rocky hill. He passed the palace stables. He then walked pass more animals: cages of Hirzogs, ground birds, and ghrins tied to pole, before coming onto the paved streets of Densmere.

  He continued all the way down to the Northeast Section to find Gattalorn's shop.

  Gattalorn was a husky man with short black hair and a beard. Max thought he looked too pleasant to be a Blacksmith. When they met him, Max realized he was just as pleasant. Max gave him the message and Gattalorn gave Max free reign to choose from his supply.

  Max looked about the shop and found a sheet of tin they termed Bali Grad, Gatttalorn said it would work for a Firewall. He took it and also picked up saw blades he ordered a week before. He paid Gattalorn in coins and put the sheet under his arm and the blades in a cover over his shoulder.

  Max started back and came down the northeast street, when he heard a yell from the crowd. “QUEEN AINERA!” A Royal Servant yelled out. The crowd divided and bowed their heads.

  The crowds lowered around him, so he bowed too.

  A small squad of Guard Knights slowly walked by followed by the Queen's Entourage of servants, a Robe, and a small group of officials. Queen Ainera came into view with a slow gait.

  She had on a light blue corset of fine silk and a leaf-peppered hairnet. Her naturally smiley-face graced the crowds with its cheeriness.

  Some Peasants came forward to offer her gifts only to be met by one of her Servants willing to take it instead. Some tried to get closer but were blocked by the Knight Guards. She was much loved by her people.

  Nonetheless, she seemed kind and responsive to everyone.

  She saw Max with his head bent low, holding the sheets under his arm and shouldering the blade.

  She stopped and stared at him.

  “You're one of the Star People are you not?”

  “Yes, your Majesty.”

  “Max is your name?” She asked.

  “Yes, your majesty.”

  “You're the one having problems with my son.” She tersely stated.

  Max looked up shocked. It had happened when in Birchville when a parent exaggerated a small disagreemen
t Max would have with another Native boy, but never did he think in his lifetime, he would offend a Queen.

  Max was lost for a reply or reaction. He forced a small smile and decided to stick to formalities. “That is me Your Highness.”

  Max got scared. O shit, what is she going to do to me? Throw me in the dungeon?

  She stared at him blankly with bright eyes, smiling.

  She finally broke the deathly quietness.

  “Walk with me Max.” She said continuing on.

  Max looked around at the Baelyins around him, they returned blank stares. He slowly moved out of the crowd and joined the entourage. She turned down the Northeast street to the castle. Max followed with the sheet under his arm.

  Max felt awkward and out-of-place dressed like a mechanic as well, accompanying the Queen of Chandeera, but he kept on.

  Queen Ainera turned back, saw him, and gestured him up to her side.

  Max slowly made his way through the crowd, still holding the Baligrad sheet, coming to her side. She looked at him and then noticed the sheet. She waved a Knight over and pointed to it. The Knight took the sheet from Max. Queen Ai'na started talking to him, as they walked.

  “Max, understand my son is a stubborn young Prince.” The Queen said not looking at him.

  Max nodded slowly unsure. He looked into the crowds and saw Baelyins holding babies, wheeling barrels of straw, but everyone would stop and bow, as Queen Ainera passed.

  “He's turned away hundreds of Noble Women... and even some Peasant ones. We chose the most beautiful women in Chandeera, and yet he refused. He’s ‘that’ picky. ”

  She appeared to get a little upset, as she turned to Max.

  “It looks like he found her... but unfortunately... it’s your lady.”

  She looked at Max.

  Max blinked his eyes as his happiness disappeared, trying to hide it but failing, trying to look away.

  “I know you’re angry Max.” She smiled at him and grabbed his arm to walk arm-in-arm.

  It was uplifting.

  “So Max, what you are doing?” Queen Ainera asked.

  “I'm working on the ship at the castle.”

  “Good, much blessings to you,” she remained smiling at him. He couldn't help but to return the smile. Her delightful countenance couldn’t help cheering him up.

  When they got to the Grand Staircase, Max helped her climb as she lifted her dress.

  “So Max are you coming to the Ball tonight?” She asked him watching the steps.

  “No your majesty, I would like to continue working on our ship, my crew wants to return to our world very much.”

  She looked at him, nodded, and resumed climbing.

  “Well I'll miss you Max plenty when you leave Max.”

  She turned to him blushing.

  “Thank you Your Highness,” Max replied.

  When they reached the top, they were exhausted.

  “I can never get use to that climb no matter how many times I’ve done it, so they usually fly me up on the airships.” Queen Ainera laughed.

  Max only returned a warm smile.

  They continued into the grand entrance and into the Great Hall. The Nobles at the table were speaking to merchants and some Baelyins wondered the giant floor. Queen Ainera turned to Max and bided farewell, before starting up to her chambers.

  Max started to the South Stairwell and onto the North Platform to dropped off the materials. He reached the walkway and walked over quickly. When he got there, he took a break and relaxed in the small house.

  He fell asleep.

  When he awoke, it was dark out.

  Max stretched and yawned, took a drink of water, and walked out to the ship.

  He jumped onto the deck and walked to the stern. He turned on his headlamp and saw Gadian had already cut and nailed the Bali Grad wall.

  He smiled.

  A woman's voice came from below:

  “Max!”

  He looked over the rail.

  Jenny Chang stood there looking radiant, her hair doled up and she wore a dark green silk dress with shoulder straps. She looked beautiful. She also held a plate of food.

  “Wow! You look beautiful Jenny!” Max said down to her.

  “Thank you,” she said examining the ship. “Nice work.”

  “Thanks, it took a whole crew of us.” He replied looking at the ship himself.

  “I brought you dinner!” Jenny lifted a plate of food up.

  “Thank you, I'll be down.” He put his hammer down and went to the walkway and descended. He met her at the base and took the plate from her. The walkway was raised a little off the ground from the shores, so he sat on it and she joined him.

  Max started eating the dinner right away.

  “Boy! You’re hungry.” Jenny said laughing.

  She took a cloth lying atop a board and threw it on the walkway next to Max, and carefully sat down.

  She rested her arms on her knees and locked her hands, staring up at the moon with its giant crevice-a reminder it wasn’t earth’s moon. She stared up at the stars in the east and their strange constellations.

  “You look really nice.” He said between chewing.

  Jenny smiled.

  “We missed you at the ball.” She said glancing at him. He nodded blankly as he continued eating. “Want to hear how it went?”

  “Why not,” he replied.

  Max took another bite and turned to her.

  “Well we were giving David sort of a hard time, because most of us are getting homesick, including me.” She said mustering enough energy to tell the story.

  Jenny started the story:

  “There we were, the whole group sitting at the banquet table with light music playing in the background.

  ‘David I've spoken to most of the group about this and most of us are getting homesick. We want to go home.’ Ryan said to David.

  ‘I know,’ David replied waving his hand down with his nice brown tunic on.

  ‘There's nothing I can do about it. We have to retrieve the shards, or we'll never go home. The Airship should be done in a couple days.’

  J.T. chimed in.

  ‘David, I'm force to agree with Ryan at this point. I really do want to go home myself.’

  ‘Yes I understand your feelings. I'm getting homesick too, but all we can do is wait. Dallas is just about done with the map and presentation.’ David replied.

  He turned to Dallas at the banquet table.

  Dallas was in a crimson gown with her hair pinned back with a braid of flowers.

  ‘Yes, I'm just about done. I should be ready in two days.’

  ‘Well, is that okay with everyone for now?’ David said looking around. ‘Okay let's enjoy the banquet and toast to The Quest, helping the Chandeerans win their war, and go home.’ David raised his drink.

  They raised their drinks and cheered.

  The group sat in the Northeast corner of the banquet table that stretched around the Great Hall, a huge square seating hundreds.

  In the front was an orchestra on a built stage at the head of the Great Hall and above it, the Royal Family chairs were empty.

  “King Laedin Redoren! Sole Ruler of Chandeera!” A Noble Assistant yelled out from the floor.

  Everyone stood up.

  King Laedin, Queen Ainera, and Prince Cornigan made their way to their seats on the raised platform and sat down. Everyone slowly sat back down, and the music started. The lutes, drums, and band started the music as the Servants began circulating the entrees.

  “Where's Max?” David asked.

  “He's not coming. He's still on the outs with Alex, still a little bothered that she went to Bogon with Prince Cornigan, and also his date tonight.” Jenny chuckled.

  “I think he's working out at the landing pad working on the ship.” J.T. answered.

  “Can someone bring him a plate afterwards?” David asked.

  “Sure,” Jenny replied.

  Terry arrived wearing a very nice dress and Donald followe
d with a nice red tunic.

  “Where's Alex?” Mrs. Wang asked the group.

  “There she is.” J.T. gestured over as he took another drink.

  Alex stood at the foot of the north staircase. She had on a red satin dress with gold trimmings, thin diamond necklace, and her hair pinned in a golden hairnet. The whole group was floor at the sight of her. She slowly made her way down and around the table.

  She was a vision.

  Everyone continued to stare, as Jenny smiled at her gesturing for her to sit by her.

  “Did she dance with Cornigan?” Max asked interrupting the story.

  Jenny turned to him disappointment.

  “I don't want to feed your jealousy!” She snapped.

  Max stared at her, insistent of wanting to know.

  “Yes she did.” Jenny stated.

  Max shrugged his shoulders and continued to eat.

  Jenny leaned her head against his shoulder and her hairspray smelled wonderful.

  Max finished his dinner and picked up his water canteen and drank it. She still leaned against his shoulders, staring at the distant stars.

  “By the way,” Max said swallowing the water.

  “I don’t know a thing about you Jenny.” He asked laughing.

  She leaned her head up and laughed too. She straightened her dress out and answered:

  “Jenny Chang. I went to college in Bellingham, Washington for Political Science and interned with the Mars Colonial Government, then interned at the Interplanetary Environmental Management Department at Druze in the Coordusion System. I didn’t like government, so I returned to graduate school in Zeno Studies at the University of Washington, where I met Dr. Hoffman, I applied to be his Assistant and here I am.”

  “That's a good story.” Max nodded at her.

  “Max can I be honest with you?” Jenny said quickly changing the subject.

  “Sure,” he said putting his canteen away.

  “I want to go home.”

  “I know everyone does.”

  Jenny reached over and kissed him on the cheek.

  “Get some rest you work toad.”

  She got up and brushed her dress off. He smiled warmly at her, she playfully saluted him, and started away.

  “If Alex doesn’t accept me back, can I come after you?”

  “You better!” Jenny turned with a wicked smile.